child in hospital from severe food allergy--need help and info!!

[EmmaJean]

I just found out that my friend's baby almost died on Friday from a severe allergic reaction to food. They don't even know what yet. She is just over 2 yo, recently weaned, and has always been severely allergic to red dye and dairy (cow). She says they are having to "start from scratch" trying to figure out what's wrong, what else she's allergic to. She asked for any info, websites, books, email groups, etc for info so she can make informed decisions quickly. She is going to a great naturopath in town this week, so hopefully she can help shed some light.

Can anyone share their favorite places to go for info about this?? I'm clueless but really want to help.

TIA!
Emily

[Meiri]

http://www.foodallergy.org might be one place to start.

I hope they find it's something easy to avoid.

Peanuts and other nuts are common. Shrimp is another, including or not other seafood. Certain fruits are associated with other allergies and no doubt can be allergens on their own. Then there's the dairy that they know about already. Wheat can be an issue, corn also.

[kavamamakava]

Maybe here? http://www.feingold.org/

[LaLa]

we did a blood test through Immuno Labs (I researched it and decided I wanted it done out of desperation to get some help after exhausting all other means) and it really helped us
BUT it is controversial in the medical field. Our GI specialist and Pediatrician both consider the results to be worthless

Still, it was the only helpful thing we had to help us get bean's chronic diarrhea in check.
If my child was having life threatening responses to foods, I would get any testing that I could to potentially help solve the mystery.

Good luck
Let us know if she finds out!

[thepeach80]

There's a great yahoo group, parents of food allergic kids. Very busy so lots of input!